The semifinal round of "America's Got Talent" was the top show Wednesday night as its ratings increased compared with last week, according to early numbers from Nielsen.

The NBC show drew about 9.89 million viewers, up a fraction of a percentage point from a week ago, and garnered a rating of 2.3 in the advertiser-desired demographic of 18-to-49-year-olds, a 5% week-to-week increase.

This round presented some surprises as child singer Anna Christine was sent packing. Six acts, including acrobatic team Chicago Boyz and dance performer Kenichi Ebina, were chosen to move on to the finals.

Even without the recently evicted Aaryn Gries, who achieved notoriety for making racially charged and anti-gay remarks about fellow housemates, CBS' "Big Brother" got its biggest Wednesday audience of the season, with 6.6 million viewers.

The reality show generated a rating of 2.2 in the 18-49 demographic, an increase of about 5% from last week. The next elimination, a double eviction, broadcasts Thursday night.

Following comedy repeats, ABC's news magazine "The Lookout" spiked in its season finale, up 15% in total viewers to 3.81 million and up 43% among 18- to 49-year-olds to a 1.0 rating.